My kids call northern pike, “Boo Boo Fish,” because of their sharp teeth that can do a number on an unwary angler’s hands. While it’s fair enough to expect a pike to bite you by accident, their ferocity does lead one to wonder. Do northern pike attack humans? Could a swimmer be in danger in pike-infested waters, or this just the stuff of bad daydreams and legends? What of dogs and cats? Will northern pike eat them like a duckling? Let’s find out…
The Legend of the Water Wolf
I have been fascinated by northern pike ever since I was little. I credit three reasons:
The biggest fish on our wall was a huge northern my Uncle Steve caught on Lake Champlain. I used to stare at it for hours and study every detail.
My first “big fish” that I caught without help was a 6lb northern. While small by adult standards, to a six-year-old, it was incredible. It still graces the wall almost like an old sports trophy from peewee hockey.
The folks at In-Fisherman produced an absolutely phenomenal book about northern pike, as seen below. It was one of the first books I wore out. The first chapter’s description of ancient pike lore will leave any child wide-eyed with wonder.
In the book they talk about legends of the Mannheim Pike, a monster that was said to have lived for 267 years and weighed over 550lbs. That’s just one of the many legends that abound about this great fish! Thus, it’s no surprise that people would come to wonder if northern pike attack humans. One 550lbs certainly could!
Are Northern Pike Aggressive?
Northern pike are famed for their aggression. In waters without muskie, they are apex predators that can rocket forth from the depths with no warning to slam your spinnerbait. They offer explosive topwater action, and are not are not afraid to follow lures fished right up to the boat. Indeed, you’re well advised to take advantage of this aggression by making a large figure eight with your lure near the boat. Often, this will produce a startling strike.
If you don’t believe me about their aggression, check out this YouTube clip from one of my favorite content producers, NDYakAngler:
Now, having said that, it has been my personal experience that northern pike are much “calmer” when captured than their smaller chain pickerel cousins. Pickerel tend to flop around fanatically while you’re trying to get them out of the net while pike are much more chill. Regardless, I’d take care not to put my hands close to either’s mouth, lest I wanted stitches.
Are There Any Reports of Northern Pike Attacking Humans?
There are several reports of northern pike and their larger muskie cousins attacking humans. Most of the attacks seem credited to the latter. Another commonality is that most of the attacks seem to be against the foot or leg, which indicates the pike or muskie probably weren’t attacking a human on purpose, but instead mistook their feet for a fish.
In 1983, a 13-year-old girl was attacked on the foot by what she described as a seven-foot muskie. Of note, this same archived article discusses other attacks in 1978 and 1980 (source).
In 2017, an 11-year-old girl was attacked by what was presumably a large pike or muskie while her feet were dangling over a paddleboard. The poor girl required multiple stitches and a surgery to repair tendons after the fish attacked her foot (source).
In 2019, a 10-year-old boy was bit on the foot while swimming at Fox Lake in Dodge County, Wisconsin (source).
In 2020, a Winnipeg woman was mauled by what she believed to be a muskie while swimming near a fishing lodge. She states that the fish grabbed her leg and thrashed, pulling her under (source).
In addition to these, you can also find plenty of stories or videos of northern pike “attacking” the hands of humans, sometimes when they’re releasing another fish, or just dangling in the water. This is by far the more likely way you’ll ever encounter these fish.
So Do Northern Pike Really Attack Humans?
I think it’s safe to say that while northern pike do bite humans from time to time, they don’t really attack humans. The rare cases where they do can almost all be attributed to the pike mistaking an extremity for a fish. If northern pike were a real danger, we’d know about it. The media is not shy about reporting such fascinating horror stories. Yet, as big as the internet is, there aren’t that many reports out there to find. I’m not a mathematician, but this does lead me to conclude that the chances of a human being attacked by a northern pike are exceptionally small.
Can a Pike Bite Your Finger Off?
No, a northern pike cannot exert enough force to bite your finger off. A 2015 study by Allegheny College and the University of South Florida examined the bite force of northern pike compared to barracuda. It found that the posterior bite force for the largest pike in the study (a roughly 32″ northern) was 44.0 N (source), well below the 154 N required to amputate a finger, according to a recent biomechanical study (source).
With that being said, northern pike can have anywhere from 300-700 teeth, none of which are particularly pleasant to touch. While you won’t lose a finger to a northern, it is completely plausible that they could sever a tendon or do some significant damage. Accordingly, you must never grab them by the mouth and instead lift them from the gill plate. The video below illustrates a safe way to lift a northern (both for you and the pike).
I wish that this was also a legend, but unfortunately it is not. While I will not reproduce the videos here as they are inappropriate for a family site, I am sad to say that you can find evidence of pike taking kittens from the waters edge. If a large pike can attack a small cat, there is no reason it couldn’t do the same to a small dog or puppy. This is something to consider when taking your pup out to play near the water.
Conclusion – The Legends are Just That, but Based on Facts
As much fun as I had in my childhood reading about the Mannheim Pike and other legends, it seems that’s all they were. Northern pike are not going to attack humans, at least not with the intent of eating them. With that said, any cornered animal will attempt to defend itself and a northern pike is no different. You should handle them with respect and care while fishing, or else you may be bit. While the bite of a northern pike won’t sever your finger, it could damage it to a point that you lose its full use. Finally, your smaller pets are legitimately in danger if they get too close to a large northern, so keep them leashed.
This was an interesting article to research, and I hope you found it informative. If you have any other questions, feel free to post a comment or send me an email.
I’m just going to come right out and say it: Mustang Survival makes the best kids’ life jackets, period. I know this may seem odd coming from me, since I spend a good portion of this blog trying to help families save money while fishing, and these jackets are so expensive, but I really believe in this product. I’ve bought enough to outfit my entire family with them, and have experience with the various children’s sizes available. I would highly recommend that you pick one up immediately for your infant, child, or youth. Read on to find out why.
Peace of Mind
A quality child’s life jacket gives you peace of mind, making investing in one a prime safety tip. When we think about going off on the water with our families, we envision smiling children, bright sun, calm waves. Unfortunately, nature does not care about your PTO day and none of this is the norm. If you took a week off to head to the lake, you’re going to have to deal with whatever weather you’re confronted by, and it’s usually grim. Even if it starts off nice enough, it doesn’t take much for the wind to pick up and the seas to become dangerous. A good life jacket will keep your kids secure.
“Sure, John, but we just won’t go swimming on a bad day — we’ll stay in the boat.” Well, you certainly think you will. But what about when that drunk weekend warrior comes by and rams you by accident? Have you been to a boat ramp on a holiday? They are out there and they don’t know what they’re doing. Even if you are a strong boater, playing by all the rules, all it takes is one idiot to send your family into the drink.
You share the water with people who don’t value life as highly as you. You must outfit your children with the best protection, period, and Mustang Survival is a brand that will help you do that.
A Durable Life Jacket Your Kids Can Grow With
I appreciate the design of these kids life jackets so much that I’ve kept my son in one for his entire life. As you can see from the three photos below, I’ve been practicing what I preach. I love how Mustang Survival makes a life jacket for the entire family to grow in. Now, my daughter is using her older brother’s old equipment as it is tried and true. These are high-quality kids life vests that don’t break down and can hold up to years of fishing, though they come with a decent warranty for the kids’ gear (as of checking, it’s 2 years, which is about as long as you might expect your child to fit in most of these).
Handy Features
As you can see from the photos above and below this section, these kids life vests have some great features. I love how they come with grab handles as well as neck and head protectors. Further, their double redundancy of snaps and zippers give extra peace of mind. They come in bright colors that kids think are cool and rescuers might be able to find. Finally, they basically act as body armor for your little ones.
Grab Handles
As you can see from the photos on this page, these child life jackets come with a “grab handle.” This is important as it allows you to lift them swiftly from the water should they fall in. The handle will not place any pressure on their neck and instead they’ll be lifted from under their arms.
My wife and I find this handle to be very useful when our children are leaning over staring at fish in the livewell, or even just to hold onto them and give them some security when they’re fighting a particularly large fish on the boat. It’s much easier to grab and hold these handles (which can be done with one hand) than to try and wrap your hands around their torso in any of these situations.
Neck and Head Guard
While you can buy Mustang Survival children’s life jackets without a neck / head guard, it is a feature that I prefer and recommend. We’ve pool-tested this as a family and it helps little ones keep their head above water should they fall in. Further, it is a little bit of padding in case they topple down on a wobbly boat. I like this option and recommend it, though it is a bit bulkier than a kids’ life vest without one.
Zipper and Buckle
Every parent knows that kids get into things, and while you’re out fishing, you aren’t always guaranteed to notice if your little one unclasps a buckle or unzips their life vest. It’s nice to have a little double redundancy here and two levels that the kids need to go past before they can take these jackets off without you knowing.
Bright Colors
Kids like bright colors and these life jackets don’t disappoint. However, these aren’t bright colors simply for style – they also have a very important feature: they can be easily scene by rescuers. I’ve never understood why some life jacket manufacturers offer them in dark blues or murky greens – that can’t be easy to spot from a rescue boat.
Mustang Survival kids life vests come in a variety of colors that kids like and rescuers can see.
Infant Body Armor
If there is any downside to these jackets, it’s that they’re a little bulky for infants. Once you get into the child and youth sizes, they tend to fit better.
The infant size, admittedly, can be a bit bulky.
All the same, this bulk isn’t necessarily a deal breaker. Indeed, it can be beneficial for younger, clumsier kids who are walking around the boat, knocking into everything they can and falling down left and right.
When I first started taking my son out, he’d often bounce into things while he was on his way up to the casting deck to check out a fish I’d caught. His Mustang Survival infant life jacket no doubt spared him from his share of bruises, especially one time that he fell backward. Do you see the head protection in the photo to the left? That works wonders for keeping your kids smiling happy on a wave-tossed boat.
As mentioned, once your child grows older the bulkiness ends and they become just like any other life jacket. I’ve yet to hear my son complain about any of the life jackets I’ve bought him from this brand, though when he was little I did go out of my way to ensure he had plenty of fish to reel in and play with so he wouldn’t notice any discomfort.
Conclusions
Look, this is a product I really believe in. I know it isn’t the least expensive option out there, but I don’t skimp when it comes to my kids’ life jackets and neither should you. I’ve been fishing with my kids for awhile now, and these life vests work well for them. They’re comfortable and effective. I’d highly recommend that you go ahead and place an order for them. You can find them at the following links:
By all means, click on any of these links and read through some further reviews from parents. You’ll see that these are well-thought of.
Hopefully you found this article helpful. I try to recommend products that I actually use and enjoy. I’m happy that you read this, as it likely means you’re preparing to take your little ones on the water. If you’re just getting started, consider buying my book, Fishing with Kids: A Parent’s Guide. I wrote it to try and help parents take their kids out fishing. If you read it and find some success, I’d love to hear about it! Please drop me an email, or post a comment below!
It’s been a long time since I’ve posted an article. 2020 came in with such promise. Then, COVID-19 hit and seemed to take much of the wind out of my sails. Thankfully, my family has remained safe and healthy through this time, but we had to adopt new routines just like everyone else. Gone are the days where I could take my kids to the aquarium or my son to a movie. We no longer enjoy a warm, American breakfast at Denny’s on the weekends. Instead, we need to provide our own entertainment in solitude. This is why I’ve taken my kids fishing as much as I can during the Coronavirus pandemic.
I’ve been taking my kids fishing as often as I can. It helps to break the monotony of home schooling and a friendless summer. Done smartly, it’s one of the few activities that you can do with minimal to no human interaction. This helps keep the kids safe from “The Sickness,” as we call it in my house.
If you’re looking for a new thing to do with the kids to break the routine, it’s hard to beat fishing. If you’re brand new to the sport, check out a few of my other articles or consider purchasing my book to help you get started. This article assumes you have the basics down and are just looking for some ideas on how to fish safely during a pandemic.
Avoid Large Crowds
Fishing and crowds usually don’t go hand in hand, but there are some times and places where you can expect to find a crowd. Jetties, certain bridges and beaches, and even certain days are going to be busier than others. I’d advise that if you’re fishing during the Coronavirus pandemic, you play it safe and try to find a quieter spot to wet your line.
Some governments are attempting to enforce social distancing on our waterways. For example, earlier this year the Connecticut governor opened fishing season early in an effort to avoid large crowds on opening day. In past years, you’d find anglers standing almost shoulder to shoulder vying for freshly stocked trout to come along and take a nibble. This probably isn’t the best idea in the middle of a pandemic.
To the extent you can, pick your spots. I’ll admit it has been a little challenging to do this. It seems that boat ramps are busier than usual on the weekends given how everyone is stir crazy. When possible, try to fish on weekdays to avoid the crowds. If you’re working from home, you might have spare time normally devoted to your commute. Use it to take the kids for a short little adventure at lunch to a nearby pond.
Buy Worms in Bulk
One of the first purchases I made during the Coronavirus pandemic was 500 Canadian nightcrawlers for fishing. I purchased them from Windsor Wholesale Bait . It worked out so well that I’ve purchased them twice during this time. You go through a LOT of worms when fishing is literally the only fun adventure you can take your kids on!
So long as you have some spare fridge space to store them, buying worms in bulk is a great idea. It is considerably less expensive than buying a dozen at a time, and much more convenient. Now with COVID-19, it also spares you a trip to the gas station, with all that entails.
I’m quite pleased with my interactions with this company. I am not an affiliate of Windsor Wholesale Bait, but can tell you that they are a pleasure to work with. Their website advises that they ship worms on Mondays, and that you need to put in your order by a certain time Friday to guarantee your order will ship quickly, but I’ve found that a phone call to them manages to get your order on the truck, regardless. Perhaps this won’t always work when things are busy, but their willingness to help me out was appreciated.
Other Retailers
If you prefer the convenience of Amazon, you can find several worms for sale on their website as well. For example, these European nightcrawlers from Uncle Jim’s Worm Farm. You can also find several items to help you keep your worms longer, such as the Frabill Habitat II. I like how it is slimmer than the styrofoam box the nightcrawlers ship in (my fridge barely fits the shipping box), and how it has plastic aeration vents. I attempted to make some vents in my first box of worms and it didn’t work very well.
You can also find other options like the Intruder Crawler Crib which boats breathable walls, and handy carrying cases to take them to the lake. I’ve just been using some plastic soup containers with a few holes punched into them, but it would be nice to have some dedicated equipment with handles and lids less likely to pop off randomly.
If you’re planning on keeping the worms some time, you can also invest in bedding for your worms. These claim to help grow worms and keep them lively. While I haven’t tried them yet, I have no reason to doubt it. I will say, however, that moist dirt also works fine.
Buying your fishing worms in bulk keeps you away from the public during the Coronavirus pandemic. It’s also convenient, less expensive, and saves you a trip to the store. These are all great reasons to consider purchasing them, but there’s an added bonus: Your kids will absolutely love opening the box:
We’re washing hands more now anyway, right?
Bring Your Own Potty
Let’s face it: most boat ramps don’t have world class facilities. You’re lucky if there is a porta potty much less a restroom with plumbing. Most of these “facilities” near far-off fishing hot spots aren’t going to be cleaned or emptied all that often, so you can’t count on them being sanitary, which is a problem during the Coronavirus pandemic. Many don’t have running water, so it’s challenging to clean your hands, and most adults likely try and thread the needle and touch as little as possible while they’re in there. Kids have no such qualms.
My advice is to bring your own potty for your children. If you’ve been potty training them, whatever potty you’ve been using will work fine. If you’re past that, a 5 gallon bucket does just fine. You can buy a lid that will fit on it and bring some creature comfort to the situation. You also can find privacy screens for sale if there aren’t enough trees nearby.
This is a decent investment even outside of the pandemic as you can all but guarantee that without it, your kids are going to need to go to the bathroom after you’ve made your trek to the best fishing spot.
The whole point of taking the kids fishing during the pandemic is to provide a fun escape away from places that are infested with germs. It makes very little sense to go through all the trouble to bring them to some far away lake only to have them use an outhouse or porta potty when they get there. You already have the 5-gallon bucket sitting in your shed. Invest in a seat and call it a day.
Fishing Toilet Recomendations:
If you wanted to go with the 5-gallon bucket adapter, just buy a toilet seat lid.
If you don’t have space for a bucket, or can’t quite bring yourself to that, you could also purchase a folding commode stool.
Whatever you go with, make sure you get some toilet liners. These are especially important if you plan on reusing that bucket to carry your stuff (or especially your catch) back home!
It might seem a little extreme, but I’d argue the last place I’d want to stop on a fishing trip during the Coronavirus pandemic would be an outhouse that’s rarely cleaned.
Consider Buying that (well, “a”) Boat
Another investment you may wish to consider is a boat of some sort. I make this statement with the full understanding that times are tough. Not everyone is secure or has disposable income lying around. You need to make ends meet and until they do, toys like boats should be the last thing on your mind. Make sure you have your six months emergency stash and a few weeks of toilet paper on hand before even considering reading further.
Still there?
Is your significant other somewhere else?
If you do have a few spare coins, picking up an inexpensive boat wouldn’t be the worst decision on earth.
Let me put it to you this way: All those things that you used to do with your kids during the summer have been put on hold indefinitely. In many parts of the country, water parks are shut down and even playgrounds are taped up and off limits. If you don’t have a yard, you’re limited in what outdoor activities you can do with your children.
Owning a boat opens up a lot of ways you can fix that. Depending on what you buy, fishing, tubing, or swimming away from crowds are all possibilities. There’s the chance to take your kids on an adventure down a canal looking at wildlife, and to simply let them sit on your lap and drive a bit to blow off some steam. All good things.
You need to consider the possibility that you may be left to your own entertainment devices for the foreseeable future. Isn’t a used rowboat a better choice than an I-Pad? If you can get your kids out fishing during the pandemic, Coronavirus won’t be as dreary.
Boating Options In A Pinch
The least expensive way to get into boating is to check around Craigslist. Used row boats and canoes can be had very inexpensively, as are many powerboats. Many of these things have been sitting in someone’s yard for ages, and people want them gone.
If you’re stuck in an apartment without anywhere to back a trailer, don’t despair. You can purchase high-quality inflatable rafts that can hold 4-5 people and fit in the trunk of your car when deflated.
There’s quite a range of styles and prices for any budget, though I’m skeptical about how well the less expensive offerings would hold up to a fish hook. I’d probably go with something like an Intex Mariner 4, Intex Excursion 5, or the Intex Seahawk 4. Intex makes smaller boats, but I’d rather have something with some space if i was fishing in it with my kids. Space is a premium with novice casters.
If you do go with an inflatable, consider installing a wooden floor. You can find several videos on YouTube, including one on installing this on the very Intex Excursion 5 I discussed above. A wood floor will add much needed stability to the boat. It will also offer at least some protection from hooks.
Again, please make sure this makes financial sense for you. Don’t do this if you’re in a risky position. Just consider it if you can, as it is an inexpensive way you can get your kids away from the television. This pandemic is very hard on your kids and having a new hobby would be great for them.
If you need more help picking out a boat, check out Chapter 9 in my book.
In Sum, Fish to Avoid Germs During the Coronavirus Pandemic
Again, many of the hobbies you once enjoyed are off the table for the moment. Fishing can be a very inexpensive way to keep the kids entertained while socially distancing from others, all while building some great memories you can cherish for life. Frankly, there is no better time to practice this hobby so I do hope you’ll take the advice above and get out there and enjoy some casts with your children.
As always, if I can be of any assistance to you, please drop me an email or leave a comment below and I’ll try to help you as much as I can. Thanks.
Fishing gets me excited. So excited, in fact, that I sometimes forget to bring any common sense whatsoever along for the trip. This has led me to make many mistakes over the years, a few of which I think are pretty novel.
If you’re interested in “common” fishing mistakes, like using old line, you’re in the wrong place. This article is just for the true doozies. So, without further delay, I proudly submit to you the absolute stupidest things I’ve ever made while fishing:
Not Taking Off the Hook’s Storage Tube
It’s a simple little problem but a critical one. Many spinnerbaits and other lures are sold with plastic tubes over their hooks to prevent little kids from turning your local store’s sporting goods aisle into a blood bath.
Just in case it isn’t obvious, you need to remove that plastic before you start casting your lures. Otherwise, you might find a curiously large amount of fish “shake off.”
You can pull off these tubes with pliers though I find it easier to use my fishing scissors to cut them off.
Trusting the Weatherman Even Though He’s Trying to Kill Me
Most people would say that a common fishing mistake is failing to watch the weather report. I’d argue that a worse mistake is trusting it.
I’ve long been of the opinion that you don’t get to graduate school and become a weatherman until you’ve killed at least three fishermen. I find their reports totally unreliable, especially if they’re covering large counties with their broadcast.
You can count on adding at least 10 mph to any wind report, and need to realize that in weatherman parlance, the “light” in “light showers” really stands for “lightning.”
You’re much better off taking along a cellphone or other connected device and checking the actual radar map yourself to see what is on your way.
Storing Crankbaits in a Sandwich Bag
This one has to take the cake. I wish I could take credit for it, but it’s actually one a fishing partner keeps making. For some reason my dad has an infatuation with plastic storage bags and other containers. He’s like the zip-lock king in our parts, and puts everything he can think of into one of these bags, including crankbaits.
Don’t get me wrong–I’m not knocking the product. These bags work really well for most things. I would, however, submit that they aren’t the best choice for storing your crankbaits, especially if you’re going to put the bag inside of your pocket.
The plastic doesn’t hold up very well to the treble hooks and so I’ve spent a fair amount of time helping Dad get a hook out of his finger because of this unique storage system of his.
Shocking as it may be, storing crankbaits in thin plastic bags is ill-advised.
Forgetting My Boat’s on Wheel Chocks
My driveway is on a slight hill. If I back my boat in and don’t spend a ton of time getting the tarp just right, rain will collect in my bilge and can’t escape. So, when I’m feeling lazy or don’t have a lot of time, I just pull the boat in forward with the truck and call it a day.
Even though I’m pretty sure it would be fine left connected to the trailer hitch, I do like to take the precaution of adding some wheel chocks in case someone tries to disconnect it without thinking.
I think this is a good idea, but the key to it is you need to remember the chocks are there. Otherwise, you look really stupid trying to back your boat up when it’s time to go fishing, and could potentially ruin your trailer tires if you force it past (and crush) the chock.
Forgetting the Worms with a Four-Year-Old
If you forget the worms by yourself, you get to show off how great you are at catching fish with artificial lures for the day. If you forget the worms with a four-year-old in tow, you spend the entire day apologizing for “ruining their life.”
Of course, it’s not just the worms. I’ve also forgotten the boat keys once, my tackle box, the rod I really wanted, the sunscreen, etc. It’s especially easy to forget something with kids because you’re in such a rush all the time trying to get them ready.
About the only thing you can do is to try and pack up as much as you can the night before so you aren’t rushed in the morning and forget something important.
If you forget these, your child will never let you live it down.
Forgetting to Bring in the Buoys
Buoys are a good thing. They help prevent dock rash and tossing them in gives smaller children something they can help with. You just need to remember to bring them back into the boat before you hit the throttle, or they’re going to throw up a spray that soaks anything and anyone sitting towards the back.
This isn’t that big of a deal on a hot summer day but could ruin your passenger’s day or even make your boat very dangerous in colder weather, especially if there is a chance that ice can form.
Not Zipping Up My Jacket
I was once on a fishing charter in terrible weather on Lake Champlain. I was confident that I could deal with it as I had great rain gear. Unfortunately I didn’t zip it up and got soaked on the ride from Plattsburgh to the Gut.
This was all the more terrible because it was October at the time. It’s definitely not a mistake you want to make! Make sure your rain gear is worn correctly and properly zipped!
Dropping My Reel (But Somehow, Not the Rod) in the Lake
Reels can work their way out of the reel seat over time. It’s a good idea to check the connection before each trip and to tighten it if need be. If you don’t, you might go to cast and find that your entire reel flings towards the abyss.
If you were fishing with strong line and took the time to tie a good arbor or uni knot to the reel seat, you might get the reel back, but it’s going to take you a while as you’re going to have to drag it back in slowly by hand. Trust me, it’s not that quick to bring in 150-200 yards of line.
Burning Myself on the Boat
Bear in mind that the little metal hinges and screws that comprise your storage compartments get exceptionally hot during the summer. Forget this while wearing shorts at your peril.
This seems to be a bigger problem on boats with full-vinyl floors because there isn’t any carpet that might give a little bit of cover over the hinges. In fact, the vinyl itself on these boats can get quite hot so you will want to consider bringing along some beach towels for your kids or pets to sit on if you’re taking them out in a boat equipped this way.
These metal hinges will get you on a hot day!
Forgetting to Tighten the Rod Holder
Rod holders are awesome, if you install them correctly. Some allow you to adjust their angle, which is great, but the way they allow you to do this is by loosening them so you can position them as needed. If you forget to tighten them afterwards, a large fish will remind you.
Luckily this only happened on my dock, so I was able to retrieve the rod quickly, saving it and the fish, but if it happened in deeper water on my boat, I would have lost an expensive set up and the fish would have lost its life (it’s kind of hard to hunt while dragging around a 7′ fishing rod).
Forgetting to Take Off the Boat Straps
Everyone’s going to tell you not to forget to put in the plug, but I’ve got one better – don’t forget to take off the tie-down straps! These are designed to keep your boat safely on the trailer over bumpy roads but also do a great job of keeping it on the trailer while you’re trying to launch it!
If you keep on backing and backing and your boat keeps getting deeper but isn’t really going anywhere, you might have forgotten to unstrap it. This is a good thing to realize before you swamp your car or get your trailer stuck past the ramp.
Be careful with how you attempt to correct this, because if there was any play at all the boat may have slid back a foot or so and could be balanced awkwardly. Pulling it all the way out of the water could make a silly mistake even worse.
Removing these straps is a key step in the boat-launching process.
Forgetting Minnows in the Car
I once bought a bucket of minnows and decided to put it on the floor by the front passenger seat, “to be safe.” I then took a corner too fast and had two dozen minnows flopping around on the floor.
I only cleaned up 18.
I realized this error a few hundred-degree days later when an overpowering stench reeked from my truck. I pulled back the floor mat and found a mush that was once the other 6 fish.
Thank goodness it was a lease.
Turning Too Tight With the Trailer
Ever notice those “Caution: Wide-Right Turns” signs on tractor trailers? The same concept applies to you now that you’re towing around a boat. Make sure that you take your corners wide or you’re going to wind up with a new mailbox.
Attempting to Launch a Boat by Myself With a Weak Clip
So a good way to launch a boat by yourself is to get some strong dock line with a mooring hook, and then to clip the mooring hook to your boat’s tow eye and wrap the other to your trailer before backing up. The boat will float off the trailer and the dockline will keep it nearby so you can pull it where needed.
A bad way to launch a boat by yourself is to get some dock line with a simple snap hook and try to do the same thing. That snap hook will do just that – snap! – and you’re taking a swim.
Connect the hook on the left to your boat’s tow eye – never the hook on the right (well, unless you want to go swimming, anyway).
Don’t Learn the Hard Way
There’s a host of other stupid things that you can do while fishing and you’re going to make plenty of mistakes. While this article was written to have a little fun at my own expense, not all mistakes are humorous – there are others that can be deadly.
If you’re new to fishing or boating in general, please consider reading my article on Safety Tips for Fishing With Kids. In it, you’ll find some other mistakes that I’ve seen people make (or almost made myself), such as failing to wear their kill switch, or getting snagged on a trotline.
You also might want to read my article on How to Buy a Boat for Your Family Without Losing Sleep. There’s a section towards the end called “Fun” Surprise Boating Expenses where I talk about some other mistakes I made during my early years of boat ownership. It could save you a lot of money.
As for the dumb little things I’ve discussed in this article? Well, if you make them yourself, then you just need to be able to laugh about it as it’s all part of the process and makes for a fun memory… Eventually.
While I’m pretty good at laughing at myself (just look at the cover photo), I hope you don’t have to. If this article gives you a few ideas of what you shouldn’t do, I’ll be happy.
As always, if you found this article helpful please share it so it can help others (and if you’ve done something dumber, please leave a comment and share it with the world)!
Fishing is a great way to spend a day with your kids, but much can go wrong. While fishing doesn’t have to be a dangerous sport, if you aren’t careful, someone could be hurt, or worse. Most of the more common injuries and issues are fairly predictable, but there are some other hidden dangers that no one could expect. In this article, I will discuss a few different safety tips to help you while you’re fishing with your kids.
As this is a bit of a lengthy article, here’s some quick links that will help you jump to what you need:
We’ll start by discussing some of the more common things that can go wrong while fishing: sunburn, drowning, and being hooked by an errant lure. While these may seem like fairly obvious safety tips, they’re important ones to keep in mind while fishing with children.
The Sun
The most likely danger you’ll encounter while fishing comes from directly overhead – the sun. You’re never going to be more exposed to it than while you’re out on a boat on the lake. Its rays hit you from above, and also reflect off the water. If you’re not careful, you or your children could be badly burned.
Four small steps will spare your kids from this fate:
Apply sunscreen early, often, and liberally.
Invest in effective sun clothing they’re likely to wear.
Stay hydrated
Keep them out of the worst of it.
Sunscreen
A kid’s skin is much more sensitive than an adults, so it is important that you apply sunscreen early, often, and liberally. Get them used to it from a young age. If they’re fussy, do what you need to do to distract them while you apply it. This is definitely one time when handing them your phone makes sense. It’s important that you don’t miss a spot.
There are several different sunscreen products made for kids. If they don’t like the liquid types, consider using a sunscreen stick instead. These come in handy especially around the face.
One thing I would warn you is not to count on their clothing to shield them. My son has a habit of leaning way over to check out the fish in the livewell, and this tends to expose his lower back. You should apply sunscreen everywhere early in the morning instead of just putting it on initially exposed skin. Making a habit of applying it everywhere will reduce the chance of forgetting it somewhere.
Sun Clothing
While you shouldn’t rely on clothing to protect your kids, you should still dress them in good, SPF-rated articles that are light weight and breathable. There are many long-sleeved, lightweight shirts out there intended for use while swimming, and these are perfect for fishing.
Sun Hats
You’ll also want to invest in a good, wide-brimmed sunhat for your kids. Forget the baseball caps for toddlers – keep them totally in the shade. They sell quite a few in the larger fishing stores and these also tend to have drawstrings which help keep them on your kid’s head. Make their continued use a requirement for continued fishing.
They also sell “boating hats” that have a drape that protects the neck. This could be hotter than a wide-brimmed hat but would do a better job of keeping their neck free from burns. It wouldn’t be the worst idea to try both and see what you can get them to wear.
Polarized Glasses
These are great fishing tools in general as they help reduce sun glare on the water, which in turn allows you to see into the water much better. Often, you can even spot fish with a good pair of these glasses, or at least spot large boulders or other cover likely to hold them.
They also serve to spare your eyes from errant hooks cast by toddlers, and from a sunburn of their own from the glare. Your kid’s eyes are precious and can’t be replaced. Get them a good pair of polarized glasses that have a string to keep them on their head and let them know they’re special “fishing glasses” that help them “see the fish” to get them to wear them. Make sure you get yourself a few pairs too! I say a few because kids have a habit of stepping on them or dropping them off the side of a boat into the water to hear them go “bloop.” Sunglasses are a must for fishing safely with kids learning to cast, as they’ll make many errors.
Liberal use of sunscreen coupled with a good hat, sun shirt, and polarized glasses will keep your child from being badly burned and extend your time on the water.
Avoid Heat Exhaustion By Staying Hydrated
Heat exhaustion and heatstroke are serious dangers while fishing, so take this safety tip to heart. Make sure that you bring along enough fluids for the whole family and constantly remind your kids to take a sip. It is pretty easy to forget when the fish are biting, and it can cost you.
Heat Exhaustion
Heat exhaustion is the first step towards heatstroke, which is a life threatening situation. Obviously, you want to catch the warning signs quickly so things don’t escalate to that stage. They include the following:
Your child keeps telling you they are thirsty;
They complain of weakness, cramps, or headache;
Your child complains of nausea or vomits, especially if the seas aren’t rough;
Your child has increased irritability (which can be tough to diagnose in toddlers, I know)
They are sweating more than you would assume they should;
High temperature, but not yet 104°F
If you believe your child is suffering from heat exhaustion, move them out of the sun and into a cooler area (the shade, air conditioning, etc.) and offer them fluids. Forget your parental ban on sugary drinks like sports drinks – you actually want them to have one. Take off your kid’s excess clothing and pat them down with a cool, damp cloth.
If you can’t get your child to drink or think they may have progressed beyond simple heat exhaustion, call your doctor immediately.
Heatstroke
Small kids aren’t going to be aware of the danger of heatstroke. Everything is still a new experience for them and they won’t necessarily recognize that there is an issue. It’s up to you to be aware of the signs of heatstroke.
Flushed, hot skin that is dry to the touch;
Increased irritability;
Lack of sweating despite every indication they should be;
Complaints of weakness, dizziness, or headache;
Nausea/vomiting (again, do not assume this is just sea sickness – it could be far, far worse);
Rapid breathing and heartbeat
Temperature of 104°F or higher.
If your child has these signs, get them out of the sun and into the shade, undress them and douse them with cool water, and call for emergency help. Despite what you would think, you should not give them fluids unless they are alert and acting normally.
The Center for Disease Control offers a handy pdf that you can bring along with you on any trip that talks about these and other signs of heat-related illnesses.
Go Home At Noon
No matter how careful you are, if you fish around noon, you’re going to risk a nasty burn. The fishing tends to be slow around this time, anyway. Do yourself and your kids a favor and try and plan your fishing trips earlier or later in the day. The fish will bite better and the sun won’t be as oppressive, so this safety tip pays off in many ways.
Pick your spots while fishing. There’s no reason to go out when it’s 100 degrees, especially with children in tow. Take them to the pool or even the movies instead.
Drowning
Any time you’re near water, you run the risk of drowning. An errant footstep or a rogue wave can send someone plunging beneath the surface. It’s also quite possible that you do everything right, but some idiot weekend warrior swamps or collides with your boat and sends your family into the drink. It is therefore vitally important that your children (and you) always wear your life jacket.
Life jackets aren’t just a good idea – they’re often the law. You should read your state’s regulations to understand exactly when they must be worn. Some states require that small children wear life jackets at all times while on a boat, while other states only require them if the boat is underway.
If you listen to no other safety tip I give you, please invest in a quality life jacket that will be comfortable while fishing with your family. This is one area where you really don’t want to skimp to save some money. The better the product, the more likely you are to wear it, and a life jacket is only useful when worn.
My Recommendation: Mustang Survival
I’m a fan of Mustang Survival products and use them for my children. Not only are they highly regarded flotation devices, but they are also great for clumsier kids as the infant and child models come with significant padding behind the head. While this is done to help keep their head above water, a great side effect is that the padding also protects them from falls while they’re bumbling up front to check out a fish or grab your rod.
Mustang Survival offers a number of infant and youth life jackets. Here are three my son has worn from 0 – 4 years of age.
While you’re shopping for your kids’ life jackets, you might also consider purchasing one for yourself. The same company, Mustang Survival, has a number of personal flotation devices that are auto-inflatable and will deploy automatically once you are submerged in the water. I wear the Mustang Survival – Inflatable PFD with HIT (Auto-Hydrostatic) model, and bought a second for my father.
Because they start off “collapsed,” these adult life jacks are light weight and very comfortable, which makes it much more likely that you’ll wear them. I’ve been wearing these for years and even on hot days it’s hard to remember that it’s on sometimes. I can’t say enough good things about the product, though they are expensive. You just have to remember that they’re protecting something priceless.
Other Options
You can find similar life jackets out there from other manufacturers as well. When searching, just make sure that they automatically inflate when submerged in water. There are a few models out there that only inflate manually by pulling a cord. That isn’t very helpful if you are knocked unconscious before you can pull it.
Other Considerations with Life Jackets
Don’t forget to take your child to a pool with their life jacket and invest some time in helping them learn how to float in one and right themselves if they flip over. While life jackets are designed to help keep your kid’s head above the water, if they’re thrashing and terrified, they can upset the buoyancy and get in trouble. As with everything else, experience helps, so spend a little time practicing the important skill of floating.
If you’re looking for a resource with information on the children life jacket laws in all 50 states, check out this helpful post at lifejacketadvisor.com. You also might want to spend some time reading the U.S. Coast Guard’s thoughts on why you should always wear your life jacket. Both sites have great safety tips that will remove some of the danger from fishing.
Hooks
OK, so it should (I would hope) be pretty obvious that hooks aren’t safe for kids, but what you might not realize is that certain ones are much more dangerous than others. These are called treble hooks. They are dangerous (at least in small sizes) because they have a very thin diameter that allows them to pierce a fish’s mouth (or human hand) like a needle. It is very likely that they’ll stick in the target even without the need for a monster hook set. I don’t recommend using these around children, but if you do, pinch the barbs down with some pliers so that if the worst case happens, you’ll be able to back the hook out without too much trauma.
This box of jerkbaits and crankbaits is very effective for hooking fish, and small hands. I don’t recommend using such baits around small children but if you insist, bend or file down the barbs.
Thicker wire hooks like found on most single-hook lures aren’t as dangerous. It’s a little counter-intuitive because these hooks look more substantial, but this also means that they require much more force to set. This isn’t to say you can’t be hurt by them–you can, and badly–but they are much less likely to embed themselves deeply than a treble hook.
Lures with larger hooks are less likely to bury deeply in the skin as they require more force to do so.
An important fishing safety tip is to wear sunglasses and insist that your children do so also. A hook to the arm is bad enough but a hook to the eye would be absolutely tragic. Polarized sunglasses have the added plus of letting the kids “see the fish,” which can be a good way to secure their buy-in for wearing them.
If you’re allowing your kids to cast, or even to
hold the rod while you’re trying to release a fish, plan on being accidentally
hooked. If this happens to you, it’s
just the price of admission, but you really don’t want this to happen to your
kids. It can ruin a trip and add
hundreds of dollars to medical bills if you don’t know what you’re doing.
There is a simple way to remove a hook that is embedded beyond the barb, but it’s not for the faint of heart. First, you should cut off any other hooks that are near the offending one. You don’t want to remove one hook only to jab another into you in the process. Once you do this:
Press the eye of the hook (the part where the line ties in) against your skin and hold it down tight.
Take several strands of very heavy line, doubling, tripling or more as necessary and loop it around the bend of the hook (they also sell hook removal tools with heavy-duty line attached and ready).
While still applying pressure to the eye, make a short, sharp and strong jerk on the line in the opposite direction of the eye.
By pushing down on the eye, you’ve angled the barb in such a way that a short burst of pressure should release the hook with minimal injury.
A Demonstration in the Name of Fishing Safety?
As much as I’m committed to help you learn to fish and keeping your family safe out there on the water, I don’t really feel like hooking myself to prove to you this method works. Luckily, I don’t need to, as a brave soul took a video of removing a fishing hook from flesh several years ago.
Other Thoughts on Hook Removal
Obviously, depending on where the hook goes in, you may or may not be able to handle this yourself. Use your best judgement and seek medical treatment when appropriate. I’ve had to use this method numerous times on my father as he insists on carrying his tackle in plastic Ziplock bags that he keeps bunched up in his pockets. They’re great products for keeping freshness in, but they aren’t intended for treble hooks.
Less Obvious Fishing Dangers
So far I’ve discussed some of the more common calamities that can occur, but there are plenty of hidden dangers out there on the lake that you just wouldn’t know about if you were just getting started. Just because these are less obvious doesn’t necessarily make them less common, so be attentive and aware that you might run into these. Here are a few safety tips that deal with fishing gear you might not normally consider dangerous.
Braided Line
You wouldn’t normally think that fishing line would be dangerous , but there are a few things that can go wrong. The most common is probably cuts. There are certain types of braided line that are extremely sharp and can create rope burn or even deep cuts if suddenly dragged across flesh. The most likely time for this to happen is while a fish is on the hook. If the fish takes a powerful, jolting run or even flops about haphazardly while you or your child is holding the line, you run the risk of being cut. Pickerel are really good at doing this to you as they tend to flop about madly after being caught, which is unfortunate as pickerel are one of the top fish to target with children.
While fish certainly enhance the likelihood of a
cut, you can also manage to cut yourself if you run your hand over the line too
fast, such as if you go to pull some line past a tightened drag and have your
hand slip.
These cuts generally aren’t the end of the world, but they can be very painful as they tend to wound the tips of your fingers where all your nerves are. A cut early in the week can put a damper on vacation if it is deep enough, so be aware of the risk. I personally choose to avoid this risk by simply using monofilament on my children’s rods.
Soft Plastics
Kids would play with soft plastic worms, tubes,
and especially salamanders all day long if you would let them, but you need to
read the package first because certain brands carry significant health warnings
and really shouldn’t be handled by children prone to put them in their
mouths. Please make sure you know what
you’re giving your children so that they don’t suffer any long-term ill effects,
and have them wash their hands when they come back from fishing.
Lead
Please bear in mind that many of the fishing lures
out there and a majority of the weights are made of lead. Lead can be harmful to your health, though
you’d think it would take a bit more than some fishing trips to bring about
problems. If you’re concerned about
this, some manufacturers offer alternative tungsten options. These tend to be more expensive, but you’re
buying peace of mind. In some states,
like Massachusetts, they are required by law and one can only expect other
states to eventually follow suit.
Weighted Snags and Trotlines
One of the more frightening fishing dangers out there are weighted snags and trotlines, and I’ll bet many of you have never considered either. This is one safety tip I wish I listened to on one fishing trip described below. Luckily, it worked out for me, but it was a near-run thing.
In short, you’re going to snag things constantly with kids and you’ll be tempted to try and retrieve your hooks as best you can as they’re expensive and money doesn’t grow on trees. Sometimes, however, it’s best just to let it go. This is an important safety tip, and to drive that home, let me explain a scary thing that happened to me on a recent fishing trip.
My Scary Encounter With a Snag
I had this point driven home in a scary way not that long ago. It I was fishing with my son up on Lake Champlain one day. We were trolling a grass flat in about 6-7’ of water with spinnerbaits. Suddenly, one of the rods bent over and started screaming drag to the point that I actually had to turn the boat back before the rod was stripped. I wasn’t quite sure what to make of it, but was hoping that an enormous channel cat had struck, or perhaps a large carp had been foul hooked. I started reeling in an object that wasn’t moving much, and eventually I got close enough to see that the spinnerbait was embedded in some dock line.
Like an idiot, I grabbed the line and started pulling it onto the boat. This dock line was attached to a giant cement boat mooring, long forgotten by its owner. It probably weighed 40-50lb. I was an idiot because I grabbed the dock line below the spinnerbait, meaning that if my hand slipped, I ran the real risk of also being hooked and dragged immediately overboard. In 6-7’ of water with a 50lb weight dragging my hand down, that would have been the end of me. My three-year-old would have seen me go overboard and been helpless and adrift all on his own.
It was a stupid, stupid, stupid thing to attempt over an $8 lure. By the grace of God, nothing bad happened, but I got a pretty good shock when the line slipped slightly and I realized the mistake I was making and how close I had come to a Darwin Award.
Trotlines
Much the same, in certain parts of the country, you’ll find a heavy line filled with hooks dangling from heavy tree branches near the water. They’re often moored by a heavy object below the water, which you can’t always see. These are called trotlines, and they can have the same effect as the boat mooring above. It is not uncommon for people to die after becoming tangled in these and dragged overboard, so if you happen to snag one with an errant cast, let discretion rule the day and sacrifice the lure to spare your life. As I mentioned above, they are one fishing danger that more people need to consider.
Wild Animals
Whenever you step foot in the great outdoors you need to be aware of the different critters you might encounter. In fact, in a pursuit like fishing, you’re aiming to encounter them. Some can cause injury or even death, so be on your toes.
In general, try to anticipate where wild animals might lurk, and place yourself between that spot and your kids. Here are a few safety tips that deal with wild animals you’ll encounter while fishing.
Fish
The most likely creature that could hurt your kid is the very fish that they’re targeting. They tend to have pretty impressive offensive and defensive mechanisms that can wound young anglers if they aren’t careful. Even if some of the fish stories about northern pike attacking humans aren’t true, you still need to be careful!
Some fish have an impressive array of fierce teeth, defensive spines and other sharp areas that can injure unaware anglers. Others have substantial bite strength that can bruise little fingers or even toxin-lined jabbers that can leave a good welt. You’re going to want to know what you’re dealing with before you pass any fish over to your child to hold.
Teeth
The teeth are pretty simple to identify – look in the fish’s mouth and see what you’re dealing with. Anything with teeth should never be held by the mouth, and pliers should be used to remove hooks safely.
Spines
Many fish have sharp dorsal spines running along the edge of their back that they will instinctively raise when threatened, as these make them harder to swallow. These spines are just as good at pricking hands as throats as you will soon find out while unhooking them. To be perfectly honest, it’s just part of fishing to be pricked a bit by these spines and your best bet is just to grab the fish and get it over with, but if your child is one who shies easily from pain, you will want to warn them about these spines so they can grab the fish from below or by the mouth instead.
The Gill Plate
The gill plate is another area that can be sharp, and care should be taken when approaching it as some species are worse than others. The gill plate is the flap of skin that covers the gills. The gills themselves are fragile and should never be touched. While some species, like northern pike, are commonly held by the gill plate, you’re probably better off holding these fish for your kids and joining the photo. It’s safer for them and for the fish.
Bullhead and Catfish – Special Considerations
While bullhead and catfish can make great targets for kids, they have some unique dangers. For example, both have powerful crushing jaws. They aren’t strong enough to trouble most adults but a small thumb could be badly hurt if caught between them.
Bullhead also have toxin in the spines of their fins. While the toxin isn’t deadly, it does produce incredible pain and a good welt. It’s also possible for the spine to break off and embed in your skin, requiring professional medical assistance to remove.
When handling these fish, be aware of the above
and avoid placing your hand in front of their dorsal or pectoral fins. The dorsal fin is the one on their back and
the pectoral ones are the ones on each side, first back from the eyes. The fish will instinctively raise its spines
when removed from the water, so it should be easy enough to locate them. Only the tip of the spine stings, so you can
actually brace the web between your thumb and pointer finger onto the rear edge
of the spine. You then need to wrap your
remaining fingers on the belly, keeping them behind the pectoral spines.
If you or your kid does end up getting stung by these spines, clean the wound as best you can and apply an antiseptic. It wouldn’t be a bad idea to stop at the walk-in on the way home from the lake, either, just to make sure it is cleaned properly and won’t become infected.
Boo Boo Fish
In general, it’s probably a good safety tip to simply tell your children that some fish are “boo boo fish” that only an adult can handle. Kids don’t like boo boos and will be pretty good about respecting this rule.
Regardless of the species of fish, it is imperative that you take the hook out before handing it to your child. Otherwise, they’re just one random shake away from being hooked themselves.
Snapping Turtles
While all turtles can bite, a snapping turtle can critically injure a child. Keep an eye on your kids when they’re fishing near habitats that contain these predators.
I take my son out “minnow fishing” often and we try to net whatever we can. We chum up the water really well with bread which causes many minnows to go into a feeding frenzy. This in turn draws in snapping turtles, and every once in awhile you’ll see them stick their head out and take a *SNAP!* Don’t let your kids dangle their feet in murky water that you’re chumming, as their toes might be mistaken for chum in the feeding frenzy.
You know, you set out to write an article about safety tips while fishing with kids, and you wind up mentioning turtles of all things. As rediculous as this might sound, I maintain that this is good advice, and not something everyone thinks of!
Alligators
I think every parent across the country remembers where they were when they heard the tragic story of the two-year-old killed by an Alligator at Disney World in 2016. It was absolutely horrific and I won’t link to it or go into the details. It pretty much shut down my entire office as all of us were in tears and shock.
What I will say is that depending on where you’re fishing, you need to be very, very careful. If you’re fishing from a bank in Florida with your kids, you are putting them in range of an alligator’s surprise attack.
Such situations are thankfully extremely rare, yet I have to imagine fishing makes them more likely. I have no proof of this, but I will say I have seen plenty of pike take a swipe at struggling, hooked fish, and I see no reason why the commotion of a fight would not attract these other apex predators.
It might be overkill, but I would stick right by my kid’s side if fishing by a bank anywhere near one of these creature’s habitats.
Bears and Other Terrestrial Predators
A lot of the fishing blogs and books out there are going to coach you to walk stealthily to your next fishing spot. That’s all well and good if you’re on a grassy lawn or someplace else with good visibility, but if you’re taking your kids for a stroll around a wooded pond, make a little noise, would you? The last thing you want to do is surprise a bear or other critter.
When I used to go fishing a lot by myself in the woods, I’d carry along a hefty can of bear spray for just this occasion. Luckily, I never had to use it, but it wouldn’t be the worst thing to have (it would also work quite well on angry dogs).
The Circle of Death
What a subheading for a family-friendly fishing site, eh? Scary and to the point – “The Circle of Death” is a very real situation that you must be aware of.
Many boats have powerful motors, and if the driver of said boat were to fall into the water while the motor was running, they’d have a bad situation on their hands. If the steering wheel is released while the motor is running, the torque of the engine will often put the boat into a circular turn. If you’re in the water while your boat is doing this, you are in exceptional danger as you can be hit by your own boat, or the propeller. This phenomenon is called “the circle of death.” You probably want to avoid that one!
The Kill Switch
There is an easy solution to avoid this situation – it’s called a kill switch. Unfortunately, not everyone who goes fishing has heard of this safety tip. This tiny little tool is all you need to avoid the exceptionally scary danger of the circle of death.
The kill switch is a key attached to a lanyard. It connects to the boat (usually near the throttle). Keep the key in place and the lanyard attached to you at all times while the motor is running! If you move too far away from the switch, the switch will flip, and the motor will shut off. This is critical if you are ejected from the boat. You would do well to pass on any boat that does not have this, and you should make it a point to insist that the driver where their kill switch when the motor is running. Many life jackets come with a clip that attaches to the kill switch. As you should always wear your life jacket while the big motor is running, you’re killing two birds with one stone.
My The red lanyard seen is my kill switch. This connects my life jacket to the boat. If I move too far away from the connection, it will trip the kill switch, cutting off the motor. This simple device could save many lives each year, but only if it is worn.
Not wearing your a kill switch while you have your kids in the boat with you is like not buckling THEM into their car seats while you’re driving down the road. They’re just as likely to be ejected with you and just as likely to be hit by the prop. It is a truly horrible way to go and you wouldn’t be able to do much of anything from the water to stop it. Insist that whoever is driving the boat is wearing their kill switch.
Coronavirus and Other Illnesses
It’s sad to say but our world is changing. The recent Coronavirus pandemic has definitely changed the way we need to interact with the world. Now, we need to consider if our fishing spot will be too crowded, or if the facilities will be reasonably clean. I wrote an article discussing safety tips for fishing during COVID-19 which you can check out here for more advice.
Stay Safe Out There!
I hope these safety tips didn’t turn you off from fishing! It can be a safe enough experience with the proper precautions and a modicum of common sense. Just remember to prepare for the common dangers you’re likely to encounter, and to be aware of the less common ones so you can prevent them as well.
Safety truly is one of those situations where “an ounce of prevention” is often all you need, and hopefully this article helps you prepare just that. Stay safe out there!
As always, if you found this article helpful, please consider sharing it so it can help others. Remember that you can find more useful safety tips as well as help on learning to fish in my book, Fishing with Kids: A Parent’s Guide.
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